This novel is limited to 100 free copies due to its part in Inkitt’s Novel Contest.
By Jordan Sovereign All Rights Reserved ©
“RICHARDSON!” screamed commissioner Plotnik.
“Yes sir?”
“YOU’RE LATE! And I want to talk to you about your latest report!”
“OK sir, let me just put my stuff at my desk.”
James knew this was coming, he faced it in varying degrees every morning, but today he probably went too far.
“You insinuated that there was a murder – what evidence do you have, Richardson?”
“Well, none sir, but it makes it so much more interesting, don’t you think?”
“No Richardson…falsifying records makes me look like a buffoon.”
James wanted to tell him that no, in fact, he made himself look like a buffoon, but James was never that brave.
“Well sir, I will try to be more objective in my next report.”
“That would be great, but somehow, I don’t believe it…that’s why I am reassigning you to…”
“Reassigning me? But I am so close to solving this one.”
“Vaughn can handle that one, I can’t have you working on any more of these high profile cases. Your new assignment is this guy – 1421 E. Sycamore…a Mr. Scrushy. I think you could help him out. Carter can brief you on the case.”
James walked out of that office, and half listened as Carter laid out the case. Carter spoke in a whiny, high-pitched voice. It was the last thing James wanted to hear today. As they walked towards his desk, Carter quickly talked about the call they had received from Mr. Scrushy. He was a high-powered bank executive who lived in a nice house with his wife. Scrushy had collected various artifacts from his travels around the world. He claimed that he was being robbed, but only one item at a time. James decided to go down to Sycamore to see what was up.
James arrived at the large house, rang the doorbell and a man in a tuxedo came up to the door. James flashed his badge and asked if he could come in. James guessed he was the butler, but was surprised when the man stretched out an arm to shake his hand.
“I’m William Scrushy. Are you here to…investigate?” Scrushy whispered that last word, playing out some spy fantasy in his mind. James knew that Plotnik was laughing in his cubicle.
“Yeah. Why don’t you tell me the whole story?” Mr. Scrushy invited him in and they walked into a large living room area. As they walked down the hallway, James noticed some photos on the wall, a beautiful woman, who was probably Mr. Scrushy’s wife. He was sort of hoping he’d get to meet her today, but didn’t count on it.
From the living room, Mr. Scrushy opened a large door to a safe that looked more like a bank vault. As James looked around at the remaining artifacts, Mr. Scrushy told James more about the robberies: “I had about 150 artifacts in here, and now I’m down to around 78. I don’t know who could have done this or how, but they keep getting stolen, one per night.”
James was about to ask for descriptions of the stolen items, when he noticed a particular artifact that grabbed his attention. It wasn’t a statue or vase, instead it hung on the wall. It was a black robe with a furry pink hat.
“Wait, what is this?”
“Oh that, well, that is the official regalia of the League of Vivoneely, a secret society. All the men in the group got one. It brings back so many memories; I remember the day I joined. Fredrickson found me and pulled me into this secret room, they seemed to know I would fit in to this group.” He stood up and found a photograph of 7 young men. “These are the Vivs, all my best friends.”
“Do you keep in touch?”
“Yes, well, all but one. Grant was killed a couple of years ago in a car wreck. We all came to the funeral, it was a sad day. We also try to get together every year.”
“You say Grant was killed? Do you mean murdered?”
“No, it was a car wreck, but we all suspected foul play, what with the secrets of the League”
“Secrets?”
“Well, I can’t tell you, or it wouldn’t be a secret, now would it?”
“I guess not. Well, if Grant was murdered, maybe whoever did it may be after you too. I’d watch my back, Mr. Scrushy.” With no leads here, James went back to the station.
aaron10905: This is undoubtedly one of the best books written on here. I actually unistalled this app until someone told me about this story. I came back not expecting much, just to be drawn into the story and the characters. I would buy this book in real life, as long as another was promised shortly after.
makaylakay: I love love this story! It's written incredibly and well thought-out plot! I love how it's a different twist in fantasy fiction, other then the usual vampire or werewolves. Love the romantics and drawn to the two characters so much already! This book will draw you in within the first chapter and ...
JWalker: I loved this story from start to finish! It flows at a really nice pace and the story world feels so real. The fight sequences are a treat especially when Isanfyre is training to become a warrior. I found the names really cool and thankfully easy to pronounce. Personally I have always struggled w...
Sacasha Williams: I LOVED it. BEST BOOK I EVER READ. HANDS DOWN . i loved it and everthing about. Wishing it has a book 2 of this. This book honestly filled me with every emotion she felt. Once i begain reading i could'nt stop. i would highly recommed this book for anyone. Definately a book i would buy and read o...
hridhyaraj: I am only able to read till the bonus chapter of boyband...please someone tell me what happens after that.... I can't wait to know what happens next. does aqueela and jt get back together? what about Troy? I feel pity for the guy...and where does Emma and Xavier move to? I'm just flooded with ...
Tavis Ryan King: "What Happened to Charlie Carmine" is a fabulous mo-gee-toe cocktail fuelled midget orgy of psychology, fantasy and sarcasm. I laughed out loud when reading this novel so many times it made the London commuters I shared space with look at me with curious disdain - and I did not care.The protagoni...
rudyoxborough46: An action-packed, mystical adventure awaits anyone wishing to read this novel. I’m amazed at how well you’ve managed to flesh out the characters in this book, and I hope to read more of your work.I’ve read books about goblins and elves and all that mumbo-jumbo before, and most accounts of these c...
Jason Phang: More, I want MORE! Your stories are keeping me from games and (gasp) even sleep! Each chapter brought fresh hooks that I willingly wolfed down (pun intended) and I just couldn't bear going to sleep not knowing what happens next to Lindsay and Wayne. I also loved how the epilogue was done. Excelle...
ArgyrisMetaxas: Thrilling story which builds layer ontop of layer. A few mis spellings every few chapters. What I found special was that it took a modern day problem and took it to its logical conclusion and plays this realism with gritting precision. I'm always on edge ready to shout from adrenaline. This is gr...
Flik: Hi! ^.^ huge fan of yours on ff.net! When I saw the note about this contest on The Way We Smile, I couldn't help but rush over here, create an account, and vote! XD Seriously love this story and would recommend it to anyone! :D best FT fanfiction out there. Amazing story, amazing concept that wa...
Kelsie Ann: The title of this book is ironic considering I COULD NOT put the book down! Everything about this is amazing! For the original 'His Bubblegum Klutz' readers, do not be discouraged to read this book! I was at first, but I assure you the plot is the same and it's worth reading a second time! You wi...
